Book Review "Batman: Nightwalker" by Marie Lu

"Batman: Nightwalker" by Marie Lu is the second instalment in the DC Icons quartet. After Leigh Bardugo did such a phenomenal job with Wonder Woman, I had high expectations for this book. Although I enjoy the Marvel movies, I`m a DCU girl at heart. And I adore "Gotham", which is an amazing TV Show that focuses on the origin story of Batman and the future villains. But when it comes to the actual book Marie Lu wrote, I found myself disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high, but the novel lacked something to keep me engaged.

After interfering with Gotham PD, 18-year-old Bruce is sent to do community work at Arkham Asylum. There, he meets Madeline Wallace, a skilled criminal that may or may not want to help Bruce save Gotham from its latest menace, the Nightwalkers. From the beginning, you could feel that the story seemed a bit farfetched. Who would send a teenager to do community work in Gotham`s most dangerous place? Where they keep the worst of the worst. I get it, Bruce made a fool out of the police and he needed a lesson. But it was not that plausible.

Anyway, as far as the characters go, I am conflicted. Bruce was likeable, and I was happy to see that the book lacked too much teenage angst. Sure, at times he was a bit one dimensional, but he was still young and learning. But enter Madeline, who at 18, is as gifted as Hannibal Lecter in reading people:

" She`s a skilled manipulator. Apparently, she can read a person better than they can read themselves, can figure out the people who matter to you and can then use your relationship with them to burrow into your mind" p. 79

"Even without uttering a word, she`ll find a way to make you doubt yourself. She`s impossible to intimidate, and I`ve never seen her lose her composure. Be careful what you say to her" p.83

I know that some people are geniuses, at a very young age. But something did not click. The author tried so hard to make Madeline complex and mysterious, but as a reader, I was irritated with being fed information. Let me decide for myself. One thing that I adore about "Gotham" is that Bruce and Selina Kyle for instance, (whom Madeline was heavily based on) are still kids, who make mistakes. They`re gifted, yes, but not smarter than every adult person you could meet.

Now I`m going to tell you something shocking: Bruce falls for Madeline. Mind-blowing, I know. Nobody could have seen that coming. Cause Madeline is pretty and she can read Bruce like an open book. And she knows that he has everything, but he has a heavy heart. And they`re kindred spirits. I could go on and on with sarcastic things, but you get my point. Instead of doing something original, the author decided to take the most common trope and turn everything into a cheese fest. Although predictable at some points, I did enjoy the fast-paced plot. But the romance was too much for me and overshadowed everything interesting going on.

I was debating whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars. In the end, I went with three stars. Despite the lack of originality, Marie Lu has an engaging writing style. And I enjoyed the interactions between Bruce and Alfred. Although I was enthusiastic at first, now I`m terrified of what Sarah J Maas will do with Catwoman. She`s my favourite character in the DC Universe, and I`m scared that Maas will create a one-dimensional, overly sexualised character. Here`s hope that she`ll pull a Leigh Bardugo and create an interesting story.

I'm more of a Marvel girl myself, but I've been seeing these DC books everywhere. It seems like everyone loved the Wonder Woman take, but this one is getting more mixed reviews. I hope the next one works out for you!

I'm sorry to hear this wasn't a better read for you. I was initially super excited about reading this book but after seeing so many mixed reviews, my excitement has waned. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.

Hmm doesnt sound like a book I would enjoy personally. I love DC, and I really want to read Wonder Woman, but this does sound disappointing. Let's hope she doesnt kill cat woman too hahaPam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

I wasn't totally enraptured by this one either sadly! 😂 I did think the romance was totally off (like how do you fall in love that fast with someone WHO'S ALWAYS LYING AND YOU KNOW IT?!) it made Bruce actually seem kind of dumb when he was supposed to be so smart! Also he should've fired his lawyers if they were bad enough to let him get put in work experience in an asylum...like holy heck. That was really unbelievable to me too! But I do love Batman so I kind of have a weakness for it there.😂😂

Oh no I'm so sorry you found this disappointing! I have a copy on its way to me, and although I LOVED Bardugo's WW, I'm worried this one will end up disappointing me :(Brilliant review. And I totally know you mean about Maas' Catwoman coming up _ I'm also so worried she's going to over-sexualise her. Ugh. Let's hope not!